Saints pummeling Panthers 24-10 at halftime

The Panthers tried to make things interesting just before halftime, as Cam Newton’s touchdown pass to Devin Funchess carved into what had been a three-touchdown lead.

But until their defense improves, anything Newton does might not matter.

The Saints lead the Panthers 24-10 at halftime, and amazingly enough, they have the better defense on the day.

Of course, we knew the secondary was a major issue for the Panthers, as they were left starting a pair of rookies at cornerback, including one who was on the practice squad two weeks ago.

But the Panthers continue to get little to no pressure on the quarterback, and Drew Brees is making them pay.

He has 258 passing yards and two touchdowns in the first half, with Brandin Cooks already over 100 yards for the day. And while the Panthers get the ball first in the second half, they don’t look like a team prepared to take advantage.